Abstract
Physical activity (PA) can have a substantial benefit in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of (breast) cancer. Wearable devices offer possibilities to monitor PA, to provide feedback and to set targets. Although the market for PA related wearable devices is booming, the impact of these wearables is questionable. One of the main concerns is the limitations to address individual needs of users, among which specific groups such as women with breast cancer. Through design, we see opportunities to stimulate for self-enhancement while encouraging PA after cancer treatment. Following a constructive design research approach, Aymée was designed. Aymée is a smart bra that changes its pattern based on the amount of PA. Through this interaction, Aymée aims to reinforce women recovering from breast cancer to feel good about themselves and to be (more) active. In this paper, we describe both the design approach in co-creation with former breast-cancer patients, as well as first results. We also discuss implications for designing intelligent systems that address PA encouragement.
Keywords
physical activity; breast cancer; constructive design research; self-enhancement
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2018.437
Citation
Menheere, D., Megens, C., van der Spek, E., and Vos, S. (2018) Encouraging Physical Activity and Self-Enhancement in Women with Breast Cancer Through a Smart Bra, in Storni, C., Leahy, K., McMahon, M., Lloyd, P. and Bohemia, E. (eds.), Design as a catalyst for change - DRS International Conference 2018, 25-28 June, Limerick, Ireland. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2018.437
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Encouraging Physical Activity and Self-Enhancement in Women with Breast Cancer Through a Smart Bra
Physical activity (PA) can have a substantial benefit in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of (breast) cancer. Wearable devices offer possibilities to monitor PA, to provide feedback and to set targets. Although the market for PA related wearable devices is booming, the impact of these wearables is questionable. One of the main concerns is the limitations to address individual needs of users, among which specific groups such as women with breast cancer. Through design, we see opportunities to stimulate for self-enhancement while encouraging PA after cancer treatment. Following a constructive design research approach, Aymée was designed. Aymée is a smart bra that changes its pattern based on the amount of PA. Through this interaction, Aymée aims to reinforce women recovering from breast cancer to feel good about themselves and to be (more) active. In this paper, we describe both the design approach in co-creation with former breast-cancer patients, as well as first results. We also discuss implications for designing intelligent systems that address PA encouragement.